About Karen D.

Violin:A wooden stringed instrument in the violin family; it is the smallest and highest-pitched. The violin typically has four strings tuned in perfect fifths, and is most commonly played by drawing a bow across its strings, though it can also be played by plucking the strings with the fingers (pizzicato). Violins are important instruments in a wide variety of musical genres. They are most prominent in the Western classical tradition and in many varieties of folk music. They are also frequently used in genres of folk including country music and bluegrass music and in jazz. Electric violins are used in some forms of rock music; further, the violin has come to be played in many non-Western music cultures, including Indian music and Iranian music. The violin is sometimes informally called a fiddle, particularly in Irish traditional music and bluegrass, but this nickname is also used regardless of the type of music played on it.Lessons always start with the basics: Tuning, hand/bow

About Karen

Anyone Can Learn To Sing or Play Any Instrument With My Method!No End To How Good You Can Get!Become Better Than Anyone Out There!Vocal Therapist-Can Cure ALL Vocal Damage!

Karen D.-Certified Teacher of the World Famous Dante Pavone Vocal Method-Honor Graduate of Berklee School of Music!-Winner of International World Contest for Meridan Records from over 300 Countries -Runner up in Ticketmaster Contest-Twenty Original Songs Placed in Movies-Written and Recorded Hundreds of Original Songs-Performer, Producer, Actress, Poet, Writer, Dancer, Entrepreneur-Teaches Song Writing, Ear Training, Theory, Arranging-Teaches Video Production and Editing-Teaches Audio Engineering

It is completely untrue that some people are "born to sing or play an instrument" while others are not. Using my method, the most "tone de

af" can learn to sing perfectly in tune, the most nasal or unappealing sound can be transformed into the most beautiful resonant tone, and someone with "no talent" can become better than anyone out there. With this superb method when you finish singing your voice will feel better than when you started! All it takes is desire, patience, perseverance, and above all, practice. I also have a unique and very patient teaching style that can make learning any instrument seem easy. Anyone can learn with my method of teaching.

It all started out in a small town called Chatham, NJ where I spent the first thirteen years of my life. I remember loving music as early as I could walk and talk. I started taking guitar lessons when I was seven years old. Along with the guitar, came a love for singing and writing my own songs. When we moved to Pennsylvania the guitar came with me. Throughout my high school years, I spent hours playing with teachers, fellow students and at parties.

When I was sixteen every week for three years I would drive an hour into Philadelphia, by myself, to study with world famous Artie Singer. His students include such names as Chubby Checker, Frankie Avalon, Al Martino, and Bobby Rydel. Artie co-wrote and produced two massive hit records “At the Hop” and “Rock ‘n Roll is Here to Stay,” both recorded by Danny and the Juniors. Artie was personal friends with Dick Clark and would bring him acts for his show.

While going to a Community College in Philadelphia the music teacher there took notice of me, pulled me aside, and told me about a great music school I should attend. He then sent away for the application and helped me fill it out. The next thing I knew I was in Boston attending Berklee School of Music! I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Jazz and Rock Composition, Arranging, and Guitar.

I had originally gone to Berklee intending to major in voice, however I had no luck with the vocal department there and ended up with nodules on my vocal cords. The damage was so significant that I had to stop singing during my four years at Berklee and turned to studying Guitar and Composition.

I tried every vocal teacher in town wanting more than anything to be a singer. What I found was no teacher could help me and it seemed obvious that even though they had the “big name” they didn't know what they wt. I was losing hope. The combination of this roadblock and my persistence led me to the greatest thing that ever happened in my life....... I met Dante Pavone!

I kept hearing about a singing teacher named Dante Pavone. Since I had already tried everyone else, I decided to give him a shot. On my first lesson with Dante I noticed a big difference. My throat didn't hurt at all and a real voice was coming out of me. I was cured!

Dante’s studies were extensive and he had doctorates in voice, music history, psychology and many other subjects. He was the most intelligent; insightful person I have ever met in my life and not only taught me about voice but taught me many things about life. He one time told me that he had a more profound knowledge of all the fine singing muscles than anyone else.

Dante was the first; a “pioneer” in popular singing, breaking from the traditional operatic style. He taught, or was contacted by, such singers as John Lennon and Paul McCartney (Beatles), Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones), Aretha Franklin, Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane), Steve Tyler (Aerosmith), Peter Wolf (JGiles Band), James and Livingston Taylor, Faye Dunaway, Tom Jones, Donna Summers, Jonathan Richman, Julianna Hatfield, Andy Pratt, at their prime and the list goes on and on. Once John Lennon and Paul McCartney showed up unannounced at his door handing him a blank check! Singers from New York City Opera Company used to sneak away from their teachers and come to Boston to study with Dante who would cure their wrecked voices from their famous opera teachers they had in NY. Best Singing Teacher in the World!

I studied with Dante every day for the first couple of years and then two or three times a week after that for fifteen years until his demise in 1998. I never missed a lesson! He gave me over a four-octave range where I started with only a five-note one. Not only did he improve my pitch and tone, but I can now sing and scream all night, if I want to, and never have a single vocal problem. In fact the more I sing the better my voice feels!

One day at my lesson Dante asked if he could pass his method down to me. This has been a great honor to me and although many teachers try to emulate his method I am the only one with a certificate as seen above. Not only was Dante my mentor, but still to this day he is the most important person I ever encountered in my life and was my best friend. We were very close and he would spend hours talking to me at lessons not only about music but about many fascinating subjects and opened my eyes to many incredible things.

Thirteen of my songs were chosen to be in one movie called Getting Personal and other songs in the movies Fillbilly and Dykeotomies. My band has won world contests.

I have also studied piano, guitar, and drums extensively and teach all instruments. I studied for years with late great world renowned Charlie Banacos and John Horrigan. Besides teaching I am a songwriter, dancer, actress, film maker, audio engineer and producer as well. I can help you record your songs!

Since 1982 I have written hundreds of songs and have been performing and recording my own music in major New England and New York venues. I've also won awards for my band "Girl on Top."

BreathingIf a teacher tells you breathing is not important you should be concerned. Let me help you to develop solid breathing and correct singing posture. An instrument only sounds as good as it's built. As we build your instrument your range, strength, resonance and stamina all improve. There is no end to how good you can get.

All StylesThe greatest thing about this method is it does not give you a style. You develop your own style! The student brings in songs they want to work on. Pop, rock, hip-hop, alternative, country, progressive, blues, jazz, swing, broadway, folk, rap, r+b, gospel, hardcore, screaming at the top of your lungs (if you want to).

All LevelsI teach all ages and presently have students from three years old to students in their seventies. Beginners to advanced, adults to elderly, children, kids, and pre-school. Dante taught me that I can improve a person’s life by teaching them music. He’s certainly improved mine. I hope you will let me help to improve yours.

Vocal TherapistMy method is guaranteed to cure any and all vocal problems or damage you may have from singing or talking: nodules, pitch, range, tone, endurance, etc.

Sing with no breakHave a smooth, multi-octave range. Sing any note the way you like: high or low, hard or soft.

No end to how you can improveAs long as you practice using this method, there is no limit as to how you can improve your range, tone, strength, flexibility, vibrato, phrasing, etc. Let me help you transcend fear, anxiety, and stage fright and replace it with technical ability and self-confidence.

Coaching and Stage PresenceWe work on songs that the student brings with them to lessons. Using acting techniques, I help them understand the true meaning of the song and how to convey it to an audience.

Guitar LessonLearn easily the basics of rhythm, notes and chords. Start with the basics and move into learning to play songs that you love. Incorporate learning to sing and play guitar on your favorite tunes. As the student becomes more confident the lessons move into learning advanced voicing, improvisational techniques and chord solos. All styles, all levels, all ages.

Piano LessonsWhether you are a beginner or an advanced professional, any age is welcomed. Learning to play the piano can be lots of fun and very rewarding with practice, persistence and the proper instruction. Learn easily the basics of rhythm, notes and chords. In the first lesson you will be able to play with both hands. As you continue lessons it will be fun and exciting to learn to play popular piano pieces. The more advanced student will have fun learning to improvise and play chord solos.

Drum LessonsLearning to play the drums is really easy and fun with my method! Start by learning how to hold the sticks and position yourself at a full drum set. At the end of the first lesson you will be able to play beats. With each lesson new beats, styles and exercises will be added. As you get more advanced the student can bring in songs they want to learn. This method is perfect and easy for any beginner or more advanced student.

Bass Lessons The bass is what holds the rhythm of the band together and provides the foundation and bottom for the chord structure. The student is taken in a step by step method that is easy to understand starting with learning basic notes, rhythms and finger exercises. As the student becomes more advanced they can bring in songs that they would like to learn. All styles, ages and levels.

Ear TrainingDeveloping your ear is essential for any serious musician. We start by learning to sing simple melodies and rhythms and as the student progresses move to more challenging ones. Also incorporated will be learning notation and chord and pitch recognition.Song WritingLearn to write songs like the pros. Karen D. has written over two hundred and fifty song. Let her expertise help you learn the secrets fast. We will work on song structure, theory and lyric writing.

Theory and ArrangingKaren D. is an honorary graduate of Berklee School of Music in Boston. There she acquired a degree in Jazz Composition and Arranging. She will teach you about notes, intervals, scales, chord structures and how chords work together. Also, you will learn how to arrange a song by adding drums, bass, guitar, horns, strings and whatever your heart desires.

Karen made the lesson fun and highly personalized. Karen wanted to know about my current skills and what I wanted to achieve. She then based our lesson play on this information. Excellent!

I don't know how much you remember of me, but you were my favorite voice teacher! I adore/d you and hope all the best for you! I used to walk across Copley Square to your studio for my classes. I remember vividly and I also remember my homework. I will always recommend you highly. Next to my band director you were always my best teacher. Know what? Love you Karen! You are the best! I wish every great thing for you.

Karen is an amazing teacher. She's patient, hard-working and dedicated. She has a lot of musical background experience and knowledge. She's also a cool person!

In American Idol, Haley did great on her solo, clearly the best. I was really impressed I hope you are doing well…we will see you at the next lesson.

Karen is a great teacher. She is extremely patient and encouraging. She also has a great method in building up strong muscles for singing. When I first met her, I could barely match the notes. She encourages me all the time and guides me through the tough period. Now I can match up to High C. She is also very great at Guitar, and has a very good way teaching. I really love her.

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I didn't get much of it when I was growing up that's probably why I never put any effort in pursuing my dream of becoming a musician. I am going to use your time for deeper understanding. I wasted a lot of time in the past I could of been much more educated by now if only i would of had focused and pushed myself. Our time together made me realize many things about myself what i should have done in the past and that I'm very impatient that's probably the main cause of why i never bothered learning anything worth learning... I admire people like yourself who encourage artists to do what they love. Thanks again.

Karen is an awesome teacher with patience and excellent methods to help people sing. She taught me the singing techniques and mostly importantly gave me confidence to face my weakness and sing once more. Patient, nice, and remarkable capability.

Thank you for being such a great teacher and friend!

Thanks for all your help. It has been a revelation.

I finally took your advice and have been doing my practicing every day. As a result, my choir director, Wendy, came up to me after the service and said, "you might become the lead soprano singer if you keep working with that singing teacher of yours, Karen.

Back from a week in New England...great trip...both reunion shows went very well...the audiences loved them. Thanks for your help in getting my voice ready. We had five hour rehearsals last Monday and Tuesday, and then shows on Wednesday and Thursday. My voice was stronger Thursday night than any of the three previous nights. That's a tribute to you and Dante, and I am grateful. Take care, and let's stay in touch...

Thank you for all you’ve taught me. I know your way is the real way. I hope to have the opportunity to learn more from you in the future. You’re the best!

Hey Karen! How are you? I'm over that horrible sickness. I went to rehearsal tonight and what's coming out of me keeps getting better. Just the look on everyone's face was awesome. More importantly I can finally express everything inside me. Thank you so much! The only problem I have is when my back get's tired. After an hour it get's tough. There's so much I want to go over with you. I'm your biggest fan! Thanks is not enough.

I know with the voice and lessons it can be like anything else one needs to improve, two steps forward one step back. However, I have to tell you, I have really made a breakthrough in the last week, starting last Thursday. For some reason "all of a sudden" my voice is stronger, clearer, I don't get hoarse as quickly, I can sing longer and "harder"/higher, my voice isn't so raspy the next morning, on and on. Yeah -- the lessons are really working, as I believed they would. Bless you and the spirit of Dante.

I threw Dante's name into the search engine and found you. My sister, Tina Sanderson, quit high school in 1967 and moved from long island to Boston and found Dante. I was at Berklee at the time for flute. I was amazed what he did to her already fabulous voice! When Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane/Starship) went to prison, they asked Tina to fill in, but decided not to do anything until Grace was out. Unfortunately, two days before recording for Irwin Levine (tie a yellow ribbon....) she died in a car accident. Anyway, I am very happy to see that Dante's message is not lost with the Master. i will keep you in mind for anyone wanting the best techniques.

Hello Karen, I found your site through a google search of Dante. I was thinking about him and thought I’d see what I could find. Yours was the first site that turned up and I was very happy to have found it. Even back in 1981 and 1982, when I was with him, Dante was looking for a successor. I’m very glad to have found you. I am also a bit envious that you were wise enough to stay with him until the end. It was my every intention to do that, however, as a teen at the time on my own living in Boston, I let certain emotional issues cloud my judgment and left Dante in 1982 and came back to New Jersey. I must say that I was filled with sadness to find that Dante passed in 1997 and that I made no effort to contact him or study further before that time. What an opportunity it was ever to have met the man! I was with him for a year and applied his method for many years after. I’ve recently gotten back more into singing, I am a guitarist as well, and probably would want to start lessons with you. I was a voice major at Rowan University for a year and half, but actually would rather study by Dante method. Dante was very dear to me. I loved him very much. The year with him was one of the best times of my life with some of the fondest memories.

Hi Karen glad you had a great gig. Nothing was touching the pain, but when I sing it is so intense it doesn't matter. I didn't sleep at all last night, and I felt like crying! I went to my second project today and I think there is an ungodly potential there. I did a little recording last night (just me) so you could hear what you never hear in lessons. I am the singer I always wanted to be thanks to you and I know it's only going to get better! Oh well for now it's ice hot bath and rest.

Karen, even though it was sort lived, coming to you for lessons was one of the best things I've done. It's really gotten me back on track. Dante's scales are so balanced. I was getting into really bad habits especially with the e vowel. With those exercises I'm now placing the e vowel where it should be. I can sing all night again and feel nothing in my throat. When I went to university, the vocal scales weren't balanced. Dante's balances the e's with the ah's and when you got that, you've got it all. This is how I remember it as it used to be. As I said before, I'll be back.

Thank you so much for your wonderful lesson with great encouragement. You are the best music teacher I could ever imagine. How I wish I had met you earlier.

Karen is a wonderful, sensitive, teacher, who will work with you no matter what style of singing you prefer. For over 6 years I have taken voice from her and my range and confidence increased by leaps and bounds!

Karen is a committed, dedicated and extremely talented teacher. The unique techniques I learned in studying with her have greatly improved my singing, the quality of my voice, and my range is far greater. I am able to sing notes I would not have thought possible. Karen loves what she does and every lesson has been an extremely enjoyable learning experience.

Dear Karen, I wanted to thank you for teaching me. I'm very happy that I decided to take lessons with you and I was able to achieve my goal. Before I came to you I was not happy with my singing when I hit Bb above middle C and up, but I feel more comfortable with those notes after the lessons with you, and of course, doing the exercises and scales does wonders. You even got me to vocalize an octave above that Bb and beyond in less than six weeks. What I learned was so precious because it's not something you can learn by reading, but it's something I could only learn by actually having someone coach me in physical coordination. It was a very interesting experience and a hard work. I sing almost everyday, so I do notice the difference in my voice from day to day. Thank you so much.

Karen has been an amazing teacher. I have taken piano, guitar and voice lessons from her for over the past year. I had no prior musical knowledge (or native ability) but yet within 4 months she coached me through preparation for a show singing and accompanying on guitar. While I have much to learn I feel that Karen, with her dedication to her students and wonderful teaching ability, has truly helped me to succeed beyond my wildest expectations.

Dear Karen, So happy to see you're still doing great..I could never in words express my gratitude towards you for teaching me about music, life, and piano..(as well as the wonderful course for drums and everything else) Thank you.

HI Karen, Thank you so much for being such a great mentor and friend of mine:) Thanks for inspiring and encouraging me all the time. Love you.

Thank you so much for your wonderful lessons with great encouragement. You are the best music teacher I could ever imagine. How I wish I had met you earlier.

Hey, "Coach" -- hope this finds you well. We played two shows in Vermont two weekends ago, and my voice was excellent. I've been diligently doing my scales, my stretching exercises, and singing rock songs about 45 minutes a day since the book launch party last August, and it really paid off. I sang lead on two songs I couldn't even reach last summer. And I sang our "signature" song, "All Along The Watchtower" probably better than I ever sang it back in the 60s and 70s. My voice held up through two rehearsals, two sound checks, and two shows, and was stronger at the end than at the start. In fact, we had a jam session after the second gig and I sang "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder and I have never been able to do that one. So, thanks to you and our dear, departed Dante.

Just wanted you to know that I have continued to work on what you taught me with excellent results. This past August, at the book launch party, I sang lead on a song which I could not do in 2010 (and I could hardly have done any of my leads in 2010 without your help). In the six months since the book launch party I have done all my breathing exercises every day, except one single day, without fail. The result has been that as I sing along with records (which I do about 4-5 days a week) I can now do about a dozen leads on songs I sing with regularly, which I couldn't do six months ago in August. All this stuff re the voice is only to say a HUGE THANK YOU for your help and your teaching. Clearly, the Dante method works for geezers, also. I am amazed at what I can sing that I couldn't get to a year ago, or even 6 months ago. Plus, a couple of weeks ago I sang 11 days in a row (45 to 60 minutes each day) with no problems at all. It's so much fun to be able to really sing again...:-)

I'm not sure if you remember me but I took web lessons with you about a year an half ago. Life, however got in the way, and I had to stop. My schedule is now much freer, and I happen to once again be on the same time zone that you are on. I was hoping to begin taking vocal lessons with you again. You are by far the best vocal teacher I have ever had, and my voice really misses your training.

i am happy to tell you about my experience and opinion of Karen. i have been taking voice with her since 1996. I starting to sing in a choir as a soprano at my old church. i struggled to hit the notes and in doing so was straining my vocal chords. i went online to read about strained vocal chords and got scared when i read that they sometimes get nodules a need surgery. i decided i wanted to learn proper technique and searched for a vocal teacher. i read Karen’s bio and discovered that she too had suffered strained vocal chords and got relief through Dante Pavone’s method of teaching, and now she is certified to teach the same method. Since i started with her i have no problem in my throat and i sing way better. Even my body looks better because the exercises that the student does strengthen the lower back so that it can support the ribs properly and has given me a better figure. i still sing in a choir at my new church and i have gotten many compliments on my voice from many people. At this point i will tell you that i do not practice all of the breathing and scales as often as i am supposed to due to my being a wife and mother of two teenagers, which keeps me very busy and running. That said, i still have made great progress with Karen.Another more personal note is that a person would be hard-pressed to find another human being as loving as Karen. She’s very caring beyond just voice lessons. My husband has been taking drum lessons from her for three years now and he feels the same way about her, and he doesn’t usually trust people easily. Karen is very well educated and very intelligent. She is a tough but kind teacher. She watches her student like a hawk and doesn’t miss a trick. She corrects gently and never makes you feel badly about yourself. She’s very encouraging. i try never to miss a lesson, because i always leave there in a better mood than when i arrive.i hope this helps you to decide. You may think...whats with all of this breathing and posture? Trust the technique. it really works without pain or strain of the vocal chords, which means you can sing for the rest of her life and not just a couple years and have to quit due to nodules.

Forty years ago I was a lead singer in a New England rock band and I was tearing my throat up. I was hoarse after every gig and regularly lost my voice entirely after two or three nights. Then I became a pupil of Dante Pavone in Boston and a remarkable transformation occurred. Dante’s method was hard work, and it depended on following his advice precisely. But working with Dante I was able to correct my bad habits, improve the clarity, quality and range of my voice. I could go seven nights in a row and not lose my voice. Forty years later my band is getting back together for several reunion shows, but I have not sung professionally since 1971. Fortunately, I found Karen, a protégé of Dante’s, and took webcam internet lessons (she is in Boston, I in Virginia). All the benefits of the Pavone method re-appeared. I gained back three octaves on my range and my clarity, strength and pitch all greatly improved. The Dante Pavone method is still as great as ever and Karen is the ideal voice coach to teach it – a perfect blend of encouragement and pushing.

Saturday, for the first time after studying with you for over three years and not practicing, i forced myself to do what you have been telling me all along: to practice. The next day my husband came to the early church service with me and told me that when the choir sang the "anthem", which is our main piece in the service, that he could really hear me and that i sounded really good. Then i had another small rehearsal afterwards with the choir for a new piece for future. After that i was walking down the hall to leave and my choir director caught up to me and said, "You are sounding really good!" i said, “Really?” She affirmed, so i told her it was because my singing teacher is telling me i had better start doing my breathing exercise so i finally listened. She said it was paying off. Today i plan to do all 30 of each again. As much as i don’t understand why it makes so much of a difference, i now know it works and i know also that you are a very smart and driven person and that you would never steer me wrong. so thanks.

I called my brother (he used to back up Taj Mahal) to ask about when Grace Slick studied with Dante. When my sister was studying his method I met Dante once or twice. At the time I was making costumes for the New York City Opera Company and was one of Beverly Sill's dressers. Dante kept saying that Beverly was going to blow out her voice. I remember that several opera singers used to sneak away from their appointed vocal coaches in NYC to catch some time with Dante. Dante would have to cure all the vocal problems that their so called “famous” NY coaches were giving them.

I was thinking about Dante recently. I just got a gig in Switzerland coming up in April and even though I'm a sax player (Berklee alumnus) I will be singing a concert there. I pulled out all of my old hand written Dante notes and oddly I realized the system and its ease after twenty years. What I'm saying is "voila" now it all came back to me and I’m singing with a fair amount of ease up into my head, stretching my range and feeling really great. Anyway, I googled his name and your name came up associated with Dante's, and rightfully so. I was always amazed by him, but now I'm amazed at what he was always trying to tell me even though he saw me as a great student. I know that one website that came up under someone's name (associated with him) mentioned that he had passed away. I think he was 76 when he taught me. I remember he mentioned your name to me many times in the 80's. I moved to LA after Berklee and I talked about him with the highest respect and felt very lucky to have studied for a long time with a genius and true master of the human anatomy. Keep up the good work! I just wanted to say hello and let you know that I'm glad you're carrying on his legend.

Thanks for your help in getting my voice ready. We had five hour rehearsals last Monday and Tuesday, and then shows on Wednesday and Thursday. My voice was stronger Thursday night than any of the three previous nights. That's a tribute to you and Dante. I am grateful.

Karen I have to tell you I have really made a breakthrough since I started studying with you. My voice is stronger, clearer, I don't get hoarse as quickly, I can sing longer and "harder"/higher, my voice isn't so raspy the next morning, on and on. Yeah -- the lessons are really working, as I believed they would. Bless you and the spirit of Dante.

Every day, since studying with you, after I sing my voice is clearer and stronger when I am finished. You’re a great teacher!

Thank you for all you’ve taught me. I know your way is the real way. I hope to have the opportunity to learn more from you in the future. You’re the best!

I studied with one of the supposed most famous vocal teachers in America. After a year of studying this particular method I couldn’t even get through one rehearsal or four songs at a gig with out vocal blow out. When I came to Karen I had severe vocal damage from studying with this supposed other “famous” teacher”. On the first lesson with Karen my voice was cured and after four lessons I played a gig and my voice felt better than before I started singing and the next day I was not hoarse at all. This is the best vocal method I have ever studied in my life as I have studied with many other teachers before Karen that also damaged my voice. If it weren’t for Karen and the Dante Pavone method I surely would not ever be able to sing.

My daughter did great on her solo, clearly the best.! I was really impressed. I hope you are doing well…we will see you at the next lesson.

Had a great lesson with Karen today. I expected the usual tongue and lip rolls and of course the long lectures on what to avoid to keep a good voice, but i got something much better. :)

I went to rehearsal tonight and what's coming out of me keeps getting better and better. Just the look on everyone's face when I sang was awesome. More importantly I can finally express everything inside me. Thank you so much! I'm your biggest fan! Thanks is not enough.

I just wanted to let you know that my gig on Saturday went GREAT!!! My voice felt really good and I didn't feel strained at all. I'm so glad I took the breathing exercises that you showed very seriously. I don't know where I'd be without you.

Once again you have my deepest thanks for what you've opened to me vocally. I still can't believe it. Every time I open my mouth to sing I get better and better! Also, thank you very much for the great encouragement.

I just wanted to say again how happy I am that I met you. My progress is more than I dreamed of and I know I'm not all the way yet. I also have come to regard you as a friend. I truly wish you all the success you dream of.

Before studying with you I always felt like crying because I could never get my voice to work properly. You have showed me the potential there. I did a little recording last night so I could really hear the huge difference and in just a few lessons. I am becoming the singer I always wanted to be thanks to you. I know it's only going to get better!

My voice keeps getting better and better every day. I would say that you have 100% given me all the ability and more than I could have dreamed of. You definitely delivered the goods. I've grown from skeptic to true believer. The last two weeks, but especially the last couple of days, I have transformed into an altogether more dynamic singer with a pitch increase of at least an octave. Every note becoming as soft or as loud as I want it to without strain or effort! God bless you. I know that it's going to only get better from here! Did you ever see the matrix we're the guy says why oh why didn't I swallow the blue pill. That's how i feel about my choice some twenty years ago or more, when I saw your add. Also the changes in my physique are truly unbelievable too. Anyway thanks so much and I look forward to seeing you next week.

Hello Karen, Life is stranger than fiction!! I played an outdoor gig today! I sang for hours and had no problems. Afterward everybody was all over me. Makes all the sacrifice worth it. I learned a lot today. I sure hope it will continue. I live for this. Don't mean to sound like a broken record, but thanks so much for all you've given me the ability to do. I'm everything and more that I always wanted to be.

I so much value everything I've learned from you and I always looked forward to my lesson. You are a very gifted teacher and your technique has really made a difference in my voice. I never thought I could hit high C so effortlessly. Thank you, Karen.

It was great getting the first lesson from you. Saw how you rock from Dante's point of view.

Karen, You are wonderful. I love your personality and your lessons. I talked about you and your method to all my friends and co-workers and will always recommend you to anyone who’s interested in lessons.

Hi Karen, we're moving to New Hampshire tomorrow :-) We're going to miss you a lot! You have played a very positive role in Brendan's life and for that I will always be grateful. I wish you nothing but happiness. Warm Regards, Rob

You have been such a blessing. I believe people don't just come into your life by accident.

Karen, coming to you for lessons was one of the best things I've ever done. It's really gotten me back on track. Dante's scales are so balanced. I was getting into really bad habits. With those exercises I can sing all night again and feel nothing in my throat. When I went to university, the vocal scales weren't balanced and I had vocal issues. Dante's balances the e's with the ah's and when you got that, you've got it all. This is how I remember it as it used to be when I studied with Dante.

I enjoy the music instruction and guidance which shows progress in a short amount of time. I have explored rhythm, melody, and harmony with various instruments for resemblance. Her personal studio at home is great for this.

Awesome!

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Reviews

Jo B. December 1, 2017·Percussion·In home

Very patient with this beginner. Clear lesson plan.

Cameron B. October 26, 2017·Ukulele·In home

Karen is the best!

Carl W. July 18, 2017·Bagpipes·In home

Karen fixed my problem in five minutes after I had two years of getting no where. I play clarinet and was curling my fingers like on a clarinet. On a bagpipe, you must lay the fingers flat. Suddenly all the pressure problems with the reed went away.

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Karen D.

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Karen D.

Somerville, MA 02145

(18)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Bronwyn K.

About Bronwyn

My name is Bronwyn Keith-Hynes and I am a bluegrass and Irish fiddler living in Boston, MA. I am one of only a few fiddlers who play and teach bluegrass and Celtic music at a professional level. I have been playing the fiddle for 21 years, beginning at the age of 3 and graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2009 with a Professional Diploma in Violin Performance. I have performed with The Milk Carton Kids, Anais Mitchell, Tony Trischka, and Peter Rowan and currently perform with my progressive bluegrass band Mile Twelve. In addition to my private teaching practice, I teach workshops at festivals and camps across New England and have been on staff for the last two years at Berklee College of Music teaching private lessons for the Five Week Program.

...

Reviews

Colin September 18, 2017·Violin·In studio

Bronwyn is a fantastically gifted fiddle player, shes patient, very knowledgeable, and extremely flexable when it comes to lesson times. I've been going to her for about a year and honestly I cannot wait for when my lesson day comes around to be able to learn more techniques.

Margaret May 23, 2017·Violin·In studio

Great attitude and helpful suggestions

Steve May 23, 2017·Fiddle·In studio

Bronwyn is a gifted fiddle teacher with an uncommon ability to intuit what her students need and how they learn best. She teaches a broad range of students, including accomplished musicians, but I came to her as a 50-year-old with basically no musical background at all. As anyone who has tried this instrument knows, the fiddle has a learning curve that can be daunting to beginners. But Bronwyn managed to coax me to the next level and the next. She is deeply knowledgeable, patient and has an infectious love of the music. She makes it fun. My sense is that great musicians are not always great teachers. Bronwyn is both. I would recommend her to anyone.

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Bronwyn K.

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Bronwyn K.

Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

(10)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Ha-eun R.

I've taught people who were just beginning violin (both children and adults) to students who were working on major concertos. What is most important to me as a teacher is that the student connect with the music and their instrument by being creative and personalizing my approach for the student. I also strongly strive to make performers out of violinists and to help them engage both audiences and themselves.

About Ha-eun

I have been surrounded by music my whole life and have played violin for 17 years. I went to high school at the Interlochen Arts Academy, obtained a BM in violin performance at Oberlin Conservatory, and am now a Master's student at the Boston Conservatory. I have won competitions, played in professional orchestra gigs, performed with college faculty, soloed with orchestras, and won the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artists Award.

I have completed a pedagogy course in college and at the graduate level. I have taught children, teens, and adults alike. I had the fortune of studying with wonderful teachers and strive to be like them and pass on their wisdom.

I am passionate about teaching out of a desire to help people express themselves and appreciate music on a deeper level. I am very enthusiastic and adapt my approach to each student's leve

l, personality, and needs while seeking to build a good rapport. I make creative analogies to keep them engaged. I am positive while critiquing because I believe negativity is counterintuitive to effective learning. I have experience working with elementary school kids, having spent three years employed at a Boys and Girls Club.

Just as I believe in culturing love of music in children, I truly enjoy working with older and more experienced students. I am very eager to help them develop their musicality and good technique. I have an extensive repertoire list and thus am able to aid students in learning challenging music such as show pieces and concertos.

I predominantly teach classical music but have helped students in other music activities. With older and more advanced students I am willing to teach music of their own choosing. I have also helped a student prepare for college auditions.

I really look forward to meeting new students and to inspire them to be at their best!

...

Reviews

Diana March 17, 2018·Violin·Online

She is a genius! My daughter learned so much on her first lesson. She practice excitedly the afterwards.

Samuel January 14, 2018·Violin·Online

She is awesome. Nice and kind.

Jingyi October 22, 2017·Violin·In studio

Great great class, this teacher is patient and inspiring! Would love to take more lessons from her! Highly recommend!

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Ha-eun R.

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Ha-eun R.

Dorchester, MA 02125

(8)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About ali Y.

I got my bachelor degree in Renmin University of China, which is one of the best university in China. I had 24 students before I came to States, several of them won the first prize in different violin competition.

I’m very patient, I have a beautiful smile, of course, and the most important thing is I can teach well. Most of my student can learn very fast and be very happy at the same time. I hope my student to love music instead of just playing the music

About ali

My name is Ali Y, I graduated from Boston University with a master degree in 2017. Before I graduate, I started to teach violin and Mandarin in Takelessons, as you can see in my reviews, I have a very high rating since I started, every student like to play violin with me because I always can see their smile in the lesson.

I’ve begun to study in BU with Professor Bayla Keyes since 2015, in these two years, I’ve learned a lot from her, not only my violin skill but also a lot of teaching methods.

I got my bachelor degree in Renmin University of China, which is one of the best university in China. I had 24 students before I came to the States, several of them won the first prize in different violin competition.

I’m very patient. And I know how to commute with students. Most of my student can learn very fast and be very happy at t

he same time. I hope my student to love music instead of just playing the music.

...

Reviews

Catherine P. February 13, 2018·Violin·Online

great lesson!

Lily-Francis P. February 11, 2018·Violin·Online

Ali is very knowledgeable! Patient and kind. But also persistent!

Allison S. December 30, 2017·Violin·Online

Ali is a pleasant teacher and Allison has a great time with her for the first class.

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ali Y.

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ali Y.

Brighton, MA 02135

(14)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Chensi T.

Want to play your favorite melodies? Feel hard to play a nice sound with string instrument? I will help you to explore the violin and viola! I am a professional and experienced teacher, my students’ age range from 5 to adult. In the lessons, you will be not only knowing how to make a nice sound with string instrument, but also building a strong foundation of note reading, music theory, ear training, music knowledge, sight reading, chamber duo, and more. Welcome for all lever students.

About Chensi

I am a professional musician and a music teacher, joined New England Symphony Orchestra as principal viola in 2015. I gained my Bachelor and two Master degrees from Manhattan School of Music. My BM and First MM are on Music Performance; while my second MM is on Orchestra playing.

I start teaching sine 2012. I am a passionate, serious, traditional teacher, and I really enjoyed teaching. I always encourage my students to think, to learn, and to explore the music in their way. For children, I do ask the parent to stay in their lesson if possible, only because the parents will be a great help for their kids' practice after the lesson.

Here are some more information of my music background:

Performance:

United States:- Carnegie Hall, Manhattan School of Music Orchestra Concert, New York- Manhattan School of Music Borden Concert Hal

Reviews

Lisa Gutting November 2, 2017·Mandarin Chinese·Online

Chensi is very professional and a patient and cheery instructor. Her lesson was well-prepared and she was clear and attentive in her explanations and in monitoring my understanding. Her follow-up after the lesson helped me to practice effectively until next lesson.

Anna October 12, 2017·Violin·In studio

Excellent teacher! Very professional and patient. Highly recommend!

Ruby October 10, 2017·Viola·In studio

Chensi is very helpful in teaching me read music. As a beginner, read music was the most difficult part, since it would slow down the practice pace. Chensi is very skillful in reading music through a faster way, which letting my progress efficient.

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Chensi T.

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Chensi T.

Natick, MA 01760

(3)

starting at

$45
/ 45-min

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About Alistair W.

I help to cultivate my students inner confidence, and articulate themselves through their music. In the lessons I emphasize, in an encouraging environment, the importance of the body and the mind in relation to playing the violin. While simultaneously, teaching technical and musical skills needed to succeed as a musician. As a result of my tutelage, students will be given the tools they need to work by themselves. I teach students of all ages and ability.

About Alistair

I began my collegiate education in the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music studying under the internationally acclaimed violinist Piotr Milewski and Ariel String quartet. Later on studying under Evgeny Zvonnikov and the St. Petersburg String Quartet. While there, served as a section leader under the baton of Mark Gibson during the Beethoven and Mahler Festivals. Additionally, I was section leader in the suprima chamber orchestra which had seen concerts throughout the US and Russia. Premiered chamber/orchestral works by contemporary composers, and participated as a section violinist of the Queen City Opera. Afterwards, I pursued my Master of Music in violin performance. I was a graduate assistant under stipend and full scholarship at the Texas Christian University, studying under the tutelage of Dr. Misha Galaganov. As a graduate ass

istant, I worked directly for Dr. Galaganov teaching violin lessons to students who were studying music as a minor. As I would teach these lessons, my professor would give me feedback on the progress of my students. During this time I also had the pleasure of playing in the Odysseus North Texas chamber Orchestra which one third place in the orchestral division of the national "American Prize" competition.

...

Reviews

Annabelle February 17, 2018·Violin·In home

Alistair was great with my daughter and he
Is very knowledgeable, I look forward to the next lesson

Sally Y. January 17, 2018·Violin·In home

I just had the first lesson with Alistair yesterday. It was a fantastic experience. I think I found the great teacher who can make my improvements when time goes by. Alistair always can make me understand how to correct the existing problems during the play such as my forms, fingering, etc. Thank you so much for Alistair's great teaching. He has both teaching skills and great personality.

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Alistair W.

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Alistair W.

Dorchester, MA 02121

(2)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Hannah L.

Have you or your kids always wanted to learn to play the violin? I am an experienced violin teacher specialized in beginner and intermediate violin students of ALL ages. I believe that it is never too late to learn to play the violin, no matter your age! I teach classical violin through Suzuki method and also modern violin with a focus on rock, jazz and improvisation.

About Hannah

I first started playing the violin when I was 16 years old. In spite of people telling me that I was “too old” to learn to play the violin, I continued practicing and one year later I joined my first orchestra. In 2016 I graduated with a BA in Music from the University of Massachusetts Boston and I’m the violinist of a fusion rock band called The Sunset Kings (you can find us on Facebook as “The Sunset Kings Music”.)Also, I currently play the violin in different orchestra pits in the Boston area and I’m also recording my first EP!

...

Reviews

Annie P. January 13, 2018·Violin·In studio

Hannah is very thorough and explains things clearly. She also has a warm personality and seems to genuinely love teaching. Glad to have found such a great teacher!

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Hannah L.

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Hannah L.

Stoneham, MA 02180

(1)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Jody M.

I have played the violin for 15 years, and have an extensive background in multiple styles of music. Under my instruction, students are able to pursue multiple genres, including classical, blues, swing, and jazz. I have had plentiful experience tutoring others, and am currently enrolled in Berklee College of Music's performance degree, specializing in old-time swing. Let me know if you would like to learn!

About Jody

I am an accomplished violinist with a diverse background, currently enrolled in Berklee College of Music's Performance program. While I began learning the violin in a traditional classical setting, I quickly branched out to learn contemporary styles such as blues, bluegrass, and jazz. I am a member of several gigging bands around the Boston area, and hope to pass on whatever knowledge I have gained over my time playing music.

...

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Jody M.

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Jody M.

Allston, MA 02134

starting at

$42
/ 30-min

About Jeremy K.

I am extremely passionate about and dedicated to music. I love it more than anything else, have decided to commit my life completely to it, and believe that it has the capacity channel the creative human spirit and bring out the best in people to a degree that no other human activity can. It brings me endless joy to help others have the same experience. I have had extensive performing experience, having performed as a soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, and orchestral leader and member in more than 10 countries and across the United States. I have studied and collaborated with many great musicians and am committed to helping students of all ages and degrees of musical experience meet their goals. I will work with all students to tailor a program specifically to them regarding repertoire, amount of instruction, and degree of seriousness depending on what they're looking to get out of lessons with me. I will work with students in detail on both technique and artistry. My hope is that

About Jeremy

My name is Jeremy Klein. I am a violinist and violist who has performed extensively as a soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, and orchestral leader and member. Music is my greatest passion and joy and I hope to help others experience the same. I have performed in concert halls and at festivals in more than 10 countries in Europe, North and South America, and across the United States. I have performed at festivals including the Cremona International Music Festival, Bowdoin International Music Festival, and Horowitz Summer Music Festival, and have performed as soloist with orchestras including the Cremona Festival Orchestra and Ukraine National Symphony Orchestra. I have won first prize in the Cremona Music Competition and additional prizes in various other competitions. I have extensive experience in orchestral playing, chamber music, an

d and contemporary music as well. I have studied and collaborated with many great musicians, and have tried to absorb every drop of depth and insight from them as possible. I believe that the most fundamental aspect of all musical learning is the development of an inner ear, and will work with all students on learning how to imagine sound so that they can then play with beauty, creativity, and quality.

...

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Jeremy K.

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Jeremy K.

Cambridge, MA 02138

starting at

$42
/ 30-min

About Julian P.

Rosin up your bow and dig into your favorite music! I have experience in a wide variety of genres on the violin/fiddle including: bluegrass, classical, jazz, old time and many other fiddle traditions. It is my firm belief that you learn best what you are interested and excited about. That’s why I make a special effort to cater to each students’ interests and provide the tools and techniques necessary to achieve their goals. Please send me a message with any questions you may have. Best,

Julian

About Julian

Recently named the winner of the 2016 Fresh Grass fiddle competition, Julian Pinelli is a free-spirited violinist who spins a deep tone in his music. Rooted in the bluegrass of his home in Southern Appalachia, Julian taps into a new dimension combining diverse musical influences with the intricacies of acoustic sound.

Julian spent his childhood surrounded by many iconic acoustic musicians including fiddler Bobby Hicks – whose smooth and lush sound has had a big impact on Julian’s playing. Now residing in Boston and attending Berklee College of Music, Julian has been honored with both the 2016 Fletcher Bright Award and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival’s 2015 Bill Vernon Memorial Scholarship.

Julian unites his passion for improvising with the earthy resonance of acoustic music. “I have always been drawn to the simple and pure tone of acou

stic instruments and their inherent expressiveness.” Both adventurous and traditional, Julian creates music that respects traditions such old time and bluegrass while staying fresh at the cutting edge of musical innovation.About

Appearing on stages across the United States and Canada, Julian has played at many notable bluegrass festivals including: Merlefest, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Fresh Grass, and Planet Bluegrass. Julian now performs with his own acoustic quartet OctoPladd and also subs extensively for groups including the progressive bluegrass band Front Country, and the acoustic metal sensation The Stash! Band.

Affordable

Effective

Violin Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Violin instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Lily-Francis

"Ali is very knowledgeable! Patient and kind. But also persistent!"

Boston, MA teacher:
ali Y.

Review by Lizzy

"I immediately felt comfortable with Jill. She is so patient, kind, and supportive. As a first-time student of the violin, I feel incredibly lucky to have

found such an invaluable resource as her. I will most definitely be signing on for future lessons with her."

...

Boston, MA teacher:
Jill G.

Review by sokol

"Jill is a great teacher

I am a cellist, but I wanted to improve my violin skills. Therefor I started taking lessons from Jill. Before that I had observed

Jill giving group classes to very young students and I was impressed how good her violin classes were: she has a special way to reach children and to make them follow her instructions. She is very patient and dedicated.With every lesson, I was improving. Of course we have to practice and the kids need the parent's help at home. But with Jill's help you will have a top notch violin lesson."

...

Boston, MA teacher:
Jill G.

Review by Marcia

"Being a teacher of young children myself, I know when children are responsive to a teacher and when a teacher is responsive to her students. I have had t

he fortunate opportunity to witness Jill’s remarkable violin teaching style many times. Using an approach that is creative, spontaneous and joyful, Jill combines the deep knowledge of her craft for both playing and teaching violin. Jill has developed a unique and dynamic teaching philosophy which captures the best of a learning experience. She is able to offer each student exactly what is needed to be successful. And how does one measure success? Each student can not wait to come back the following week!"

...

Boston, MA teacher:
Jill G.

Review by Allison

"Ali is a pleasant teacher and Allison has a great time with her for the first class."

Boston, MA teacher:
ali Y.

Review by Betty

"Jill has done an exciting, very comprehensive part in accompanying our Church Choir, as well as several other programs at the Retirement Center where we l

ive.She has also spent the time helping some of our residents in improving their playing. She has a very quiet, wholesome personality, and reacts well with all!"

...

Boston, MA teacher:
Jill G.

Review by Emily

"had a very nice experience with a very skilled tutor"

Boston, MA teacher:
Ha-eun R.

Review by Amy

"Ha-eun is very knowledgeable, professional, and patient with my 12-year-old son. I highly recommend her!"

Boston, MA teacher:
Ha-eun R.

Review by Melissa

"I've been taking violin lesson with Jill now for almost a year and she is absolutely amazing! She is extremely patient and works at your pace, especially

if you're like me and have a busy work schedule.

Her deep understanding of music and experience teaching has enabled her to explain techniques with relatable analogies.

Recent Violin Articlesfrom the Blog

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro,
check out the Violin articles on our blog.

Do you ever wonder how good your skills would be now if you started practicing a year ago? A question like this should motivate, not dishearten you. In this article, guest writer Elizabeth Kane will take you through six destructive beliefs you might face as you're learning how to become a musician, and how you can overcome them...
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Mind Over Matter
Your mind is a powerful tool. Your thoughts dictate just about every conscious decision you make.
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6 Destructive Beliefs That Hold Beginner Musicians Back

Do you ever wonder how good your skills would be now if you started practicing a year ago? A question like this should motivate, not dishearten you. In this article, guest writer Elizabeth Kane will take you through six destructive beliefs you might face as you're learning how to become a musician, and how you can overcome them...
&nbsp;
Mind Over Matter
Your mind is a powerful tool. Your thoughts dictate just about every conscious decision you make.
Whether you're a beginner guitari

What Are the Different Parts of a Violin? [Infographic]

Are you a beginner violinist? While you might be eager to start playing immediately, its important to learn the basic functions and parts of a violin. Otherwise, youll have a difficult time understanding what your violin instructor is saying when he or she asks you to keep your bow parallel to the bridge. Check out the graphic below to learn the basic parts and functions of a violin:
There you have it; those are the various different parts of a violin and their functions. Once youve

Introduction to Proper Violin Posture

You may feel that learning the violin is all about playing the right notes at the right time. It is  to an extent. But in order to learn the various techniques and play for longer periods of time, there are other skills that every student needs to master too, and that includes proper violin posture.
Because it affects all areas of violin playing, such as tone, intonation, bow hold and stroke, as well as shifting, all violin technique is built around proper violin posture. If you ignore or forg

Top 5 Websites for Easy Violin Sheet Music

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After weeks of practice, chances are you've nearly perfected the beginner songs recommended or required by your teacher and you're looking for something a bit more challenging. Or perhaps you want to try something different other than a nursery song or scales. If you've reached the point where you want something new to supplement your regular lessons, there are several helpful websites that offer a wide range of easy violin sheet music.
Whether you want something contemporary, cl

9 Fundamental Tips That Will Change the Way You Play the Violin

The violin can be an incredibly rewarding instruments to play. For beginners, the road to success is riddled with lessons in patience and discipline, but when met with enthusiasm and the right guidance, the journey is certainly worthwhile! Many say that practice makes perfect, and while of course regular practice is a must, it does not guarantee perfection  in fact, improper practice can yield consistently poor results. So what are the fundamental hallmarks of proper violin practice, and how ca